A new era is taking off at the area's airport. Teesside Airport has now officially changed its name to Durham Tees Valley Airport.

While the decision has brought with it mixed reactions, bosses say the move should now open the door to more investment and see more flights jetting off from Teesside.

Airport chiefs say the new name has been necessary as part of a #20m redevelopment plan which will create hundreds of jobs.

Hugh Lang, managing director of Durham Tees Valley Airport, said: "This name change is just one part of a larger package of investment we are making to the airport.

"We are businessmen and we have listened to our customers, who told us that the Teesside name was not a strong enough brand.

"We are delivering an airport that will eventually see 3m passengers using our facilities by 2015."

The new name is part of an ambitious three year, multi-million pound redevelopment plan.

By next year passenger numbers are predicted to break through the 1m barrier - up by a third on current figures.

So far this year #4m has been invested into the first phase of redevelopment, including additional car parking, terminal improvements and a new access road on to the airport site.

Manchester-based owners of the airport, Peel Holdings, says the investment will create several hundred new jobs in areas such as passenger check-in, baggage handling and airport services.

The airport currently employs 140 directly with a further 560 employed on site.

Future redevelopment includes the extension and refurbishment of the airport terminal to 280,000sq ft and increased parking to more than 4,500 spaces.

A new cargo and maintenance village for repair services, air freight and processing is also planned.

And airport bosses are now in talks with more than 30 airlines as part of plans to increase the number of destinations available to Teesside passengers.

Durham Tees Valley Airport was recently boosted by the announcement by low-cost carrier Ryanair that is it introducing a service to Rome.

The new daily service begins on January 28.

The flight, which takes just under three hours, will leave Teesside at 8pm. The return leg from Rome Ciampino will touch down at Teesside at 7.35pm.

Work will get underway this month on the next stage of development at the airport site.

A planning application will be submitted this month for a new airport terminal, cargo village, business park and car parking.

Mr Lang added: "We are looking confidently to an exciting future. This new chapter in our history brings a wealth of opportunities on a regional, national and international scale.

"As passenger numbers increase and the airport grows we will be in the position to create additional jobs opportunities, together with introducing more, thrilling destinations as our international profile grows and we take advantage of growth in the air travel market."

John Holmes, director of regeneration and tourism at regional development agency One NorthEast, said: "The airport's expansion plans represent a significant investment in the long term future of the Tees Valley and Durham area not only for the tourism sector but also for numerous local businesses.

"This will further help establish our region in the minds of potential visitors and raise awareness to countless attractions we have to offer."

Alistair Arkley, chairman of the Tees Valley Partnership said a thriving and expanding airport was "key" to the area's economic regeneration.

"We need the commitment of the airlines and they clearly see the new name as an important factor in enabling them to expand their services and market both the airport and the Durham and Tees Valley areas across the rest of Europe and further afield.

"Of course, local people are proud of their airport and its achievements in the past. But what really matters to them is having an ever growing choice of flights and destinations."